Google Maps Pioneers On-Device Location Data Storage to Enhance Privacy
Google Maps Enhances User Privacy With On-Device Location Data Saving: Analysis
Google Maps is set to undergo significant alterations in the way it processes your location information, as highlighted in a recent analysis. As the analysis indicates, the upcoming modification will allow users' devices to retain location and timeline information internally rather than on Google Cloud. In addition, Google will introduce an automatic deletion function that will purge your timeline information after a specified duration, setting this period to three months. Consequently, any information exceeding this age will be systematically erased, as further noted in the analysis.
Local Storage of Maps Location Data
A detailed examination by The Verge illuminates Google's ambition to amplify its commitment to protecting user privacy. An email purportedly dispatched to Google's clientele disclosed that individuals have until December 1 to transfer their maritime history, including documented visits and voyages, onto their personal gadgets. Following this deadline, Google will commence the elimination of historical data, according to the analysis.
This scheme purportedly encompasses the Location History—now rebranded as Timeline. Google characterizes Timeline as a “personal map” that assists users in recollecting their movements and excursions based on their location history. Users retain the ability to modify or expunge their Timeline information. From this point onward, location data storage will be confined to users' devices rather than being housed in Google Cloud.
The announcement of this initiative, focusing on privacy, was first made by the tech behemoth in December 2023. In a statement in a blog post, Google mentioned, “For those users who have opted in to activate Location History (which is not enabled by default), soon your Timeline will securely reside on your device, affording you increased dominion over your data. As has always been the case, you can erase any portion of your data whenever you choose or disable the functionality entirely.”
Guidelines for Continued Use of Timeline
According to the analysis, Google advises that to maintain the activation of the location history, users should initiate the Google Maps application on their smartphone and select their profile image located at the top-right corner. Following this, they should navigate to the Timeline section and activate the feature.
Beyond this, users are at liberty to decide the duration for which Google retains their data, with options extending from three months up to three years. Moreover, a manual deletion feature is available, permitting users to retain their Timeline information until they decide to personally eradicate it.
